Sharonda Pickering is one of the star players for Florida's Hillsbrough Community College Lady Hawks. Photo: Provided

Virgin Islands' Sharonda Pickering has been inspiring her volleyball team, lady Hawks, to wins in conference play. Photo: Provided

The Hawks, who are 5-2 in conference play, joined in with the Breast Cancer Awareness activities with Dig Pink night at HCC on Wednesday October 18, 2016, playing Pasco Hernando State College and came away with a straight sets victory, 25-10, 25-13, 25-18.

The Hawks posted 7 blocks, 5 aces, and 41 kills against border rival Pasco State.

"Our block was very well coordinated tonight," said Coach Larkin. "We made a very skilled team uncomfortable."

Substitutions Asiah and Yali came in and immediately contributed to the winning ways, combining for 4 kills in limited action.

"Brianna ran a great offense tonight, and she had a special connection with Sharonda Pickering," added Larkin.

With the win, the #8 Lady Hawks added another 20-win season to the programme's history, moving to 20-8, 5-2.

Earlier wins

Last weekend, the Hawks started slowly, but gradually took control to earn a 4-set win over conference leader, St Petersburg College and moved to 5-2 in conference play.

"We played tentative at the end of set 1 and let it slip away, but I loved our energy thereafter," said Coach Larkin.

The Hawks were led by 4 sophomores who stepped up their play including Pickering who posted 13 kills and 5 blocks.

"We challenged our leaders to get it done, and they did today," said Larkin. "I'm so proud of the fight they displayed." 

When asked about the victory, Pickering noted, "It's my birthday tomorrow, and my teammates gave me an early birthday present. There's no better feeling than working together to get a tough win."

Despite the threat of Hurricane Matthew, the Hawks also had a resounding straight sets win over State College of Florida, 25-21, 25-22, 25-17, with Pickering posting 10 kills and energized the Hawks with 5 blocks. 

"I was pleased and impressed with our defense today," explained Assistant John Babbitt. "When we are coordinated as group, it is a challenge for our opponents... plus Shar was a rock star today."